| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Varies – free camps to caravan parks available |
| Location | South Coast NSW – Bundeena to Eden (500km) |
| Pet Friendly | Some sites only – many national parks exclude pets |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Ocean pools, beaches, waterfalls, cafes, visitor centres |
| Vehicle Access | Some hinterland roads unsuitable for caravans |
| In Camps App | Yes – find all camps and trip plans |
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate South Coast New South Wales road trip! Whether you love nature, food, history, swims, waterfalls or hikes – the south coast has it all! At the end, we share the trip plan from our Camps Australia Wide App.
Total distance
From Bundeena to Green Cape Lighthouse (south of Eden), you’re looking at about 500 km. It doesn’t seem very long, but this coast spans several regions with attractions everywhere, so choose a timeframe to suit!
Timeframes
We allocated exactly two weeks, that included a night at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney and we did not include our weekend in Canberra to avoid the rain! It would have been easy to extend our itinerary and explore so much more. Alternatively, if you only have a short break, shave off some of these locations or focus on a region.You’ll be back again – I have already added below where I intend to visit next time!
Regions
The South Coast encompasses Illawarra (Wollongong), Kiama, Shellharbour, inland to Wingecarribee (to see wombats and waterfalls), Shoalhaven (boasting 100 beaches), Eurobodalla then the Sapphire Coast (or Eden Valley).
Best time to travel?
Tricky that, as summer is busy! We opted for February so we could swim, and out of school holidays. We only booked ahead National Park campsites, or weekends. However, this beautiful corner of Australia would be fun to explore any time of the year!
Isn’t the South Coast expensive?
We worked checking out camps this trip, so stayed where convenient, which did not always come cheaply! Unfortunately, most populated, beautiful coastlines tend to have higher visitor numbers, and more costly camping options.
In fact, the majority of sites on the South Coast are caravan parks, with the next most common option being national park campgrounds. However, you can still find free and budget priced options on the NSW South Coast in your CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App, CAMPS 12 guide and CAMPS Pendium box set.
Pet friendly?
We don’t travel with our doggo but I have added information on pets. Look to the CAMPS guides and App for alternative pet friendly sites. Also research pet sitters or kennels because the NSW South Coast is national park after national park! If you choose not to leave your pet at home, another option is to share pet sitting duties between campsite neighbours.
Wildlife?
I love that kangaroos and wallabies live in so many of our campgrounds or caravan parks. However, we also spotted a dozen wombats in one night (what a thrill!), encountered seals (twice), possums and we even saw lyrebirds! In season, whales are also a highlight.
Our itinerary
Here is what we saw, where we wish we’d stopped at, plus where we camped along the way north to south …
LOCATION: Bundeena, Sutherland Shire
SEE & DO: Visitor Centre at Audley, Bundeena RSL for views and feed, The Balconies, Wattamolla (waterfall on the inlet)
ADD: Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock, Governor Game Lookout, Figure 8 Pools, Wedding Cake Rock (some sections closed), Glenburnie Orchard and Cidery
CAMP: Bonnie Vale Campground, Royal National Park
PETS: No
TIP: Walk to ‘The Basin’, over the bridge for coffee and walk back over the sandbar at low tide
SEE & DO: Otford Lookout, Stanwell Tops, Sea Cliff Bridge, Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse, Wollongong
97km
LOCATION: Shellharbour Village
SEE & DO: Ocean Pool, Great Thai at pretty Andaman, had a beverage at Ocean Beach Hotel, Bass Point Reserve, The Farm and Mystics – surf beaches
ADD: Bring a snorkel and goggles!
CAMP: Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
PETS: Yes
TIP: Thought February might be low peak – had planned to stay at Killalea Reserve, but booked out. Lucky to get a caravan site!
SEE & DO: Kiama Blowhole and ocean pool, Macquarie’s Pass (eek!), Robertson, do your research on which roads are suitable to tow in the hinterland
65km
LOCATION: Kangaroo Valley (2 nights)
SEE & DO: Carrington Falls, Belmore Falls, Nellies Glen, Fitzroy Falls, Friendly Inn at Kangaroo Valley, Jamberoo
ADD: Minnamurra Falls and rainforest walk, Gerringong Falls
CAMP: Bendeela Recreation Area (free camp, small booking fee)
PETS: No
TIP: Best camp for wombats. You need to really plan your trip if you are towing, as there are roads unsuitable for caravans or trucks.
26 km (Very narrow and hairy!)
LOCATION: Berry
SEE & DO: Shops, pub looked good, day trip to Gerringong (two ocean pools), Geroa
ADD: Shoalhaven
CAMP: Berry Showgrounds
PETS: Yes
TIP: The caretaker gives our eggs and veggies! And there is a pool onsite (fee applies)
SEE & DO: Info Centre Nowra, Hussikon and Jervis Bay Info Centre/ Museum, Scribbly Gum Track at Greenfield Beach (no pets).
55 km
LOCATION: Booderee National Park (2 nights)
SEE & DO: Swim, Murray’s Beach, Cape St George Lighthouse ruins, Caves Beach, lunch out at Hyams Beach, Seamans Beach, Chinamans Beach
ADD: Hikes and more secluded beaches, Hell Hole Falls
CAMP: Green Patch Campground
PETS: No
TIP: Fire up the camp oven and Cooked Goose on Hyams
SEE & DO: Ulladulla – sea pool, lakes and estuary, Pretty Beach
ADD: Explore Milton (excellent showground here) and swim Mollymook Bogey Hole
109 km
LOCATION: Murramarang National Park
SEE & DO: swim! Drove to Pebbly Beach and North Durras
ADD: Hikes
CAMP: Depot Beach
WILDLIFE: Lyrebirds, kangaroos, wallabies
PETS: No
TIP: Steps to the beach (most of the National Parks, so far, are bush camps above the beach, and a bit of walk to swim, especially with a bung knee)
SEE & DO: George Bass Drive south of Batemans Bay, Broulee Brewery
68 km
LOCATION: Tuross Head
SEE & DO: Boathouse Cafe, Pickled Octopus Restaurant, Bingie Beach
ADD: Eurobodalla National Park (some closures when we visited)
CAMP: Tuross Beach Cabins & Campsites
PETS: Yes
SEE & DO: Potato Point (limited parking for day use). See how beautiful it is!
29 km
LOCATION: Dalmeny
SEE & DO: See seals at Narooma, estuary, Central Tilba National Trust dairy village
ADD: Fairy penguins and Barunguba Montague Island, you can see the border from Mt Dromedary
CAMP: Dalmeny Campground
PETS: Yes
75 km
SEE & DO: Bermagui Blue Pool, Coast Road, Wallaga Lake, fresh fish and Bega cheese and town
LOCATION: Mimosa Rocks National Park, north of Tathra
SEE & DO: Spotted gums, swim, fish!
CAMP: Gillards Beach which is right beside the beach. Best access we’ve seen yet in a national park on the south coast
PETS: No
TIP: Sapphire Coast has excellent water points (as well as attractions)
27 km
LOCATION: Bournda National Park
SEE & DO: Enjoy wildlife, beach, lake
ADD: Wallagoot Gap, Tathra Jetty
CAMP: Hobart Beach (didn’t see any wombats!)
PETS: No
TIP: Hotel in Tathra to drink in those views – they have a brewery, too
27 km
LOCATION: Pambula
SEE & DO: Merimbula, Merimbula Beach, Pambula and walked to the rocks at Pambula Beach
ADD: The Pinnacles, Beowa National Park
CAMP: Pambula Beach
PETS: No (dog kennel in town)
TIP: Must swim or explore Pambula River Beach
65 km
SEE & DO: Eden – Aslings Ocean Pool and Killer Whale Trail, new Welcome Centre and nice old pubs in town. Love Eden!
LOCATION: Beowa National Park
SEE & DO: Boyds Tower, Seahorse Inn Tavern at Boydstown, Disaster Bay Lookout
ADD: Whaling Station (no vans). Love Green Cape Lighthouse and wombats. It and Saltwater Campground were closed this trip
CAMP: Bittangabee Bay (bring bug spray or eat before dark!)
PETS: No
TIP: Visit Newtons Crossing for a swim (also a free camp)
Onto Victoria or go via Bombala and see platypus!
These distances above add up to about 650 km, but it will be more if you factor in day trips and diversions. Some locations are quite close – you can opt to stay more nights at the same location. Remember to leave no trace as you camp.
Our first port of call in each town is their Visitor Centre – we love local tips and hearing about favourite walks, eateries, pubs, wineries (or breweries) and must and dos.
And here is the trip plan, as promised
Finally, please let us know if you have an attraction you think should be on this list! For instance, your favourite walks and waterfalls – as my knee hampered options. However, I was pleasantly surprised at just how much on the South Coast was easily accessible.
Find the camps and caravan parks in the Camps Australia Wide App and guides and happy travels!
A big thanks to Miles Boak for his assistance in compiling my initial itinerary – he also guided us to beautiful Green Cape Lighthouse in 2017. I highly recommend an overnighter in a Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, this was back when Beowa was Ben Boyd National Park. It was my first encounter with wombats in the wild, and remains one of my favourite places on earth.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the South Coast NSW road trip take?
The trip from Bundeena to Eden covers about 500km, but with diversions and day trips expect around 650km. Two weeks is ideal to explore thoroughly, though you can focus on specific regions for shorter breaks. Many travellers find they want to return to explore more.
Is the South Coast pet friendly for camping?
Pet friendly options are limited as much of the South Coast consists of national park campgrounds which don’t allow pets. Some caravan parks and showgrounds do accept pets (like Shellharbour, Berry, Tuross Head and Dalmeny). Check the Camps App for specific pet friendly sites or consider pet sitters and kennels.
What’s the best time to visit the South Coast?
The South Coast is beautiful year-round. Summer is busy, so February outside school holidays offers good swimming weather with fewer crowds. You’ll need to book ahead for National Park campsites and weekends regardless of season.
Can I tow a caravan through the hinterland areas?
Some roads in the hinterland around Kangaroo Valley and Macquarie’s Pass are narrow and unsuitable for caravans or trucks. You need to carefully research and plan your route if towing. The coastal routes are generally more caravan-friendly.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Kangaroos and wallabies are common at many campgrounds. Other wildlife includes wombats (especially at Bendeela Recreation Area), seals (at Narooma), lyrebirds (at Depot Beach), possums, and seasonal whale watching. Fairy penguins can be seen at Montague Island near Narooma.
Are there free camping options on the South Coast?
Yes, though the majority of sites are caravan parks or national park campgrounds with fees. Free and budget camping options are available – check the Camps Australia Wide App, CAMPS 12 guide and CAMPS Pendium for specific locations like Bendeela Recreation Area.
What are the must-see attractions on this road trip?
Highlights include Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Fitzroy Falls, Jervis Bay beaches, Pebbly Beach for kangaroos, Narooma seals, Bermagui Blue Pool, Eden’s Aslings Ocean Pool, and Beowa National Park. Ocean pools, waterfalls and secluded beaches are found throughout the coast.
How much should I budget for camping on the South Coast?
Costs vary significantly. This popular coastal area has higher visitor numbers, so expect most campsites to be caravan parks with corresponding fees. National park campgrounds require booking fees. Budget options exist – Check the Camps App for current details on free and low-cost sites.
